How do I remove a water pump from my 1997 Mercury Sable?

Never open, service or drain the radiator or cooling system when hot; serious burns can occur from the steam and hot coolant. Also, when draining engine coolant, keep in mind that cats and dogs are attracted to ethylene glycol antifreeze and could drink any that is left in an uncovered container or in puddles on the ground. This will prove fatal in sufficient quantities. Always drain coolant into a sealable container. Coolant should be reused unless it is contaminated or is several years old.

3.0L OHV Engine

See Figures 1 through 11

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Allow the engine to cool.

Remove the radiator cap and drain the cooling system.

Loosen four retaining bolts securing the water pump pulley to the water pump hub.

Remove the accessory drive belts.

Remove the automatic belt tensioner.

Disconnect and remove the heater hose from the water pump.

Remove the engine control sensor wiring from the locating stud bolt, if equipped.

Remove the water pump-to-engine retaining bolts and lift the water pump and pulley up and out of the vehicle.

To install:

Fig. Fig. 1: It is recommended to loosen the water pump pulley bolts while the belt is still connected

Fig. Fig. 2: After the belt is removed, remove the pulley bolts and...

Fig. Fig. 3: Remove the pulley from the water pump

Fig. Fig. 4: Remove the heater hose from the top of the water pump

Fig. Fig. 5: Remove the A/C compressor support bracket

Fig. Fig. 6: Remove the alternator support bracket also

Fig. Fig. 7: Remove the power steering line support bracket nut and remove the bracket from the water pump

Apply a silicone lubricant to the water pump inlet and outlet hoses, install them on the water pump housing and clamp securely.

Apply a silicone lubricant to the O-ring and install it between the water pump housing and left side cylinder head.

Install the bolts retaining the water pump housing to the left side cylinder head. Tighten the two retaining bolts at the water inlet to 71-106 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm). Tighten the two remaining retaining bolts to 14-20 ft. lbs. (18-28 Nm).

Install the water thermostat, oil cooler return tube gasket and water hose connection to the water pump housing and tighten the two retaining bolts to 71-106 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm).

Connect the throttle body return and supply hoses, heater core return hose and the oil cooler return hose to the water pump.

Install the water pump drive belt.

Install the engine appearance cover and tighten the two flange bolts and four cap nuts to 71-106 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm).